Staff health and well-being
Health Promoting Schools are characterised by the high value they place on the good health of staff and pupils.
Health Education: 5-14 National Guidelines (Learning and Teaching Scotland, 2000)
The key aspect of a health promoting school is the fact that its emphasis on health encompasses the whole school - and that means the staff as well as the pupils. This does not just mean preventing the risk of ill health. It also involves promoting the emotional, social and physical aspects of health and well-being.
There are several things that can be done to raise the profile of staff health in the school including:
- displaying health information in the staff room, perhaps related to the seasons, for example, sun care, or in conjunction with an event like No Smoking Day
- providing chilled drinking water
- rearranging or redecorating the staff room to make it more welcoming and relaxing
- providing a staff fitness class
- setting up a staff peer support group
- offering an aromatherapy programme.
Who can help?
Scotland's Health at Work (SHAW) provides information on staff health working groups. The website also has information on the SHAW Awards Scheme, which recognises employers who show a commitment to staff health.
Representatives from the local SHAW branch may be able to visit the school and talk to staff.
Local authority
Courses on stress management and assertiveness may also be available through the local education or personnel departments. Some local authorities can organise self-help groups, as well as providing relaxation tapes.
Within each local authority there will also be a range of advisors available to offer teachers support and advice on specific areas within the curriculum. There may also be education advisors dedicated to pre-five, primary, secondary or special educational needs schools.
Health promotion department and community health projects
Your local health promotion department or community health projects in your area can provide support for staff by providing information on specific health topics. Some health promotion departments offer assistance with health days for school staff.
Community links
You may be able to access support from community groups such as Alcholics Anonymous or domestic violence groups. Local religious leaders may also be able to provide practical and spiritual support to the school.
Support for individual staff
A supportive environment that values the health and welfare of staff goes a long way towards promoting staff well-being. Nevertheless there will undoubtedly be times when staff need further support and advice. This is available in various forms at a local and national level.
Local level
Your local authority may provide a range of support services including a staff welfare service and occupational health services. It may also provide practical assistance to individuals with personal or family problems.
The personnel department should have a range of welfare policies on a variety of issues, such as stress reduction, managing stress, alcohol and drugs misuse, gambling, health and safety and equal opportunities. The policy should identify whether the issue should be handled by the school management or the local authority personnel department.
Teacher Support
Teacher Support Scotland is the sister initiative of the English and Welsh support initiative Teacher Support Network. Teacher Support Scotland aims to improve the well-being of teachers in Scotland.
Address:
Teacher Support Scotland
Room 303
46 Moray Place
Edinburgh EH3 6BH
Telephone: 0131 220 0872
Fax: 0131 220 0872
Teacher Support Network is a service predominantly for English and Welsh Teachers. However it does have some information for Scottish teachers and information that would be of benefit to all teachers. There are downloadable leaflets on a variety of issues, including stress and dealing with people.
Teacher Support Network also provides a helpline for teachers – 08000 562 561
Unions
EIS - The Education Institute of Scotland is the longest-established teaching union in Scotland and 80 percent of teachers in Scotland are affiliated to EIS. The EIS provide a range of services for members, including:
- Stress or bereavement line – 08705 234729
- Victim support line – 08705 234729
- Personal legal helpline - 0141 332 2887 (not for employment issues).
The Professional Association of Teachers has around 4000 Scottish members and has a website with more information.
The Association of Head Teachers in Scotland also has a website with more information.
Administrative, janitorial and other support staff can be members of the local authority union and your local authority should be able to give you more details of these and the support they provide.
National level
NHS Helpline – 0800 22 44 88
The NHS helpline will provide a list of all the organisations in your area that can provide support. For example, if you phone with an issue on stress they will give information on all the organisations, self-help groups and counselling services in your local area. They will also send out information and leaflets on national helplines.
Samaritans - 08457 90 90 90
Samaritans 24-hour helpline service, with the option of e-mailing your worries.
See Me
The See Me campaign challenges the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental ill health in Scotland. The website contains facts, personal stories and information on support groups around the country.
Workplace Bullying (Scotland) - 0131 339 9232
Tuesday 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 12 noon.
Cruse Bereavement Care - 0870 167 1677
Provides counselling, advice and information for bereaved people and has 28 branches in Scotland.
National Debt Line – 0800 808 4000
Gives advice to help people combat mortgage and rent arrears, as well as other debt. Gives expert advice over the telephone and produces a self help information pack free of charge.
Citizens Advice
Aims to raise awareness of people's rights and provides free, independent, impartial and confidential information.
Employee Counselling Service
A Scottish-based not for profit organisation providing support for employees and employers dealing with difficult personal problems.
Enquire – 0845 123 2303
Enquire helpline is for independent advice on special educational needs and support for learning.
